2013 Toyota Prius C or the Aqua launches in Japan

The Toyota Aqua, or Prius c has launched in Japan. Available performance mods include a sport exhaust system with chrome tailpipes, larger alloy wheels as well as a suspension package that lowers the Prius c’s ride height.

The Prius C is powered by a state-of-the-art, small, light and efficient 1.5-litre (1,496 cc – Engine Model: 1NZ-FXE) Toyota hybrid system with reduction gear. It comes with a selectable electric-vehicle mode (EV Mode) enables driving with only the electric motor. The maximum output @ 73kW from the hybrid powerplant.

On the exterior, the sport package from TRD includes a new front apron with additional air vents and optional LED daytime running lights, side skirts, a roof spoiler, and a rear apron with a matte black diffuser to fit with a dual tailpipes.

For the interior, there’s a new TRD push-button start off although efficiency mods are restricted -for the time getting- to a sports exhaust technique with a pair of chrome tailpipes, bigger alloy wheels and a suspension package with new springs and shock absorbers that lower the car’s ride height.

The 2013 Toyota Prius C is scheduled toapper at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. Starting price for the Aqua is 1.69 million yen ($21,700). TMC plans to sell 12,000 units per month in Japan.




Press Release

TMC Launches Aqua in Japan

Compact Hybrid Combines Driving Enjoyment with World-Leading Fuel Efficiency

Toyota City, Japan, December 26, 2011—Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announces the launch in Japan today of the "Aqua"^*1 gasoline-electric compact hybrid.

The Aqua combines a comfortable and roomy interior with a stylish body, and displays exciting acceleration and agility.

The Aqua incorporates 17 years of Toyota expertise and technology in the development of mass-produced hybrid vehicles, and boasts a small, light and efficient hybrid system that achieves a world-leading^*2 fuel efficiency of 35.4 km/L under the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's (MLIT's) JC08 test cycle and 40.0 km/L^*3 under the MLIT 10-15 test cycle.

With a starting price of 1.69 million yen, the Aqua offers the pleasure of hybrid vehicles to an even broader range of consumers in Japan.

Monthly sales target for Japan: 12,000 units

Assembly Plant: Iwate Plant, Kanto Auto Works, Ltd.

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices

Grade	Hybrid System	Driveline	Price*
L	THS II with reduction gear	Front-wheel drive	1,690,000 yen
S			1,790,000 yen
G			1,850,000 yen
*Includes consumption tax, does not include recycling fees and differs in Hokkaido and Okinaw

Vehicle Outline

Exceptional Fuel Efficiency

The Aqua features a state-of-the-art, small, light and efficient 1.5-liter Toyota Hybrid System II (THS II) with reduction gear, which achieves a fuel efficiency of 35.4 km/L in the JC08 test cycle and 40.0 km/L in the MLIT 10-15 test cycle.

A cooled Exhaust-Gas Recirculation (EGR) system improves efficiency in the high-expansion-ratio Atkinson cycle engine. Also contributing to increased engine efficiency is a battery-powered water pump, a friction-reducing beltless design and precise coolant-water-flow volume control.

The hybrid transaxle, which includes the power control unit, the power-generation motor and drive motor, has also been designed to be small and light.

A selectable electric-vehicle mode (EV Mode) enables driving with only the electric motor.

Key Hybrid System Specifications

Engine	Model	1NZ-FXE
	Displacement	1,496 cc
	Maximum output	54 kW (74 PS)/4,800 rpm
	Maximum torque	111 N-m (11.3 kgf-m)/3,600—4,400 rpm
Motor	Maximum output	45 kW (61 PS)
	Maximum torque	169 N-m (17.2 kgf-m)
Engine & Motor	Combined maximum output*	73 kW (100 PS)
Battery		Nickel-metal hydride
*Based on TMC calculations

Design Combines Elements of Fun and Sophistication

The Aqua's active and fun styling provides outstanding aerodynamic performance with a comfortable interior in a compact body.

Exterior
The exterior offers a bold and modern design with a powerful and refined front mask and a rear silhouette that evokes imagery of brisk yet stable driving performance.

The vehicle comes in ten vibrant and stylish body colors, including new Citrus Orange Mica Metallic and Lime White Pearl Crystal Shine.

Interior
The instrument panel structure evokes a great sense of space, while the modern and geometric layout with color-coded, switch-operated areas reflect the pursuit of enjoyment and user-friendliness.

Distinctive and effective accent color placement contributes to a brighter interior and is available in four patterns: Earth Brown, Fresh Green, Cool Blue, and Natural Gray.

Front and rear seats with ample head clearance and legroom provide excellent comfort.

The hybrid battery has been sized for placement under the rear seat, resulting in a spacious cargo area of 305 liters^*4.

Exhilarating Performance for Enhanced Driving Pleasure

In addition to a long 2,550 mm wheelbase, the hybrid unit and engine are positioned to create a low center of gravity for superior maneuvering performance.

Engine and motor power combine to provide smooth acceleration from standstill to 100 km/h in 10.7 seconds and also at mid-range speeds, such as from 40 km/h to 70 km/h in 3.6 seconds (all measurements according to TMC).

With a minimum turning radius of 4.8 meters, the Aqua also boasts excellent maneuverability.

Fun and Easy-to-use Hybrid

The instrument panel sports a myriad of functions that support environment-conscious and enjoyable driving. The Hybrid System Indicator offers easy-to-understand information concerning eco-driving, such as effective accelerator use. In addition to the standard display, an optional high-resolution thin-film-transistor liquid crystal multi-information display provides a variety of eco-driving information. Eco Judge ranks eco-driving on a 100-point scale, and Eco Wallet shows money saved as compared with other levels of fuel efficiency.

High-level Safety and Comfort-Enhancing Features

ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) maximizes braking performance, with the EBD appropriately distributing braking force between the front and rear wheels according to driving conditions. Also, a brake assist function generates extra braking force to assist the driver in emergency braking situations.

Vehicle Stability Control controls brake and engine output to maintain vehicle stability if skidding occurs. Traction Control controls wheel spin to simplify acceleration operation.

Hill-start Assist Control reduces anxiety about the vehicle rolling backwards when starting on a steep incline.

Automatic air conditioning comes standard on all models and is equipped with an electric inverter compressor run by the electric motor, enabling a comfortably air-conditioned interior even when the engine is off.

In addition to seat heaters, the exhaust heat recirculation system draws heat from the engine directly into the cooling water, enhancing heating performance and fuel efficiency in the winter.

Diverse Range of Packages Meet a Range of Needs

The Aqua is available in seven different packages.

	Package	Main Features
1	Smart entry package	- Smart entry and start system for driver, passenger, and rear doors (with answer-back function) - Antitheft system (engine and motor immobilizer) - Light controls (auto on/off lights and auto shutoff headlights)
2	LED headlight package	- LED headlights (with auto leveling function, headlight cleaner, black extension ornamentation, and auto shutoff system) - Front fog lights
3	Touring package	- 195/50R16 tires and 16x6J aluminum wheels (with center ornamentation) - Large rear roof spoiler - Smoked headlamp trim - Dedicated suspension
4	Beauty package	- nanoe* - Super UV-cut Glass (front doors) - Seat heaters (driver and passenger seats) - Passenger seat sun visor with vanity mirror
5	Advanced display package	- TFT multi-information display - Touch Tracer Display - Steering-wheel-mounted switches (audio system operation, Trip and Display buttons, and air conditioning switches; with touch tracer function)
6	Navigation system ready package	- Backup camera - Six speakers - Steering-wheel-mounted switches (audio system operation, Trip and Display buttons, and air conditioning switches)
7	Audio system package	- CD + AM/FM & AUX terminals - Steering-wheel-mounted switches (audio system operation, Trip and Display buttons, and air conditioning switches) - Six speakers
*nanoe and the nanoe logo are trademarks of Panasonic Corporation

Welcabs: Vehicles with Factory-installed Features for The Disabled

The Rotating Passenger Seat model features a passenger seat that rotates to facilitate smooth ingress and egress. The Type B model features an electric loading/unloading mechanism for manual wheelchairs.

Welcab Friendmatic Seat models allow for the installation of devices such as a specialized driver's seat, to help people without use of their legs drive with only their hands (scheduled for release in March 2012). Special-purpose power steering that reduces the force necessary to turn the steering wheel comes standard, helping to ease steering during initial acceleration and low-speed driving.

The Friendmatic-exclusive remote-controlled power driver's seat available on Types II and IV, aids movement to and from a wheelchair. Types III and IV include the Welcarry device, which automatically stows a wheelchair on the vehicle's roof.

Manufacturer's Suggested Welcab Retail Prices

Variant	Grade	Hybrid system	Driveline	Price*
Rotating Passenger Seat model (Type A)	S	THS II with reduction gear	Front-wheel drive	1,895,000 yen
	G			1,955,000 yen
Rotating Passenger Seat model (Type B)	S			1,894,000 yen
	G			1,951,000 yen
Welcab Friendmatic model (Type I)	S			1,890,000 yen
	G			1,950,000 yen
Welcab Friendmatic model (Type II)	S			2,125,000 yen
	G			2,182,000 yen
Welcab Friendmatic model (Type III)	S			2,297,000 yen
	G			2,354,000 yen
Welcab Friendmatic model (Type IV)	S			2,622,000 yen
	G			2,679,000 yen
*Includes consumption tax, differs in Hokkaido and Okinawa and excludes recycling fees. Rotating passenger Seat Type B and Welcab Friendmatic model Type II, Type III, and Type IV are exempt from consumption taxes; Welcab Friendmatic model Type I is exempt from consumption taxes only when the specialized driver's seat is installed at the time of purchase

^*1Derived from the Latin word meaning water. The name is meant to evoke an image of clean transparency as well as of something that is universally cherished. Also, the Aqua is meant to break the conventional image of hybrid vehicles, becoming something fluid and not constrained to any one shape or role—like free-flowing water. With this image, it is hoped that even more people will choose to experience the joys of hybrid vehicle ownership.
^*2Compared to mass-produced gasoline passenger cars (excluding plug-in hybrid vehicles). As of November 30, 2011, according to TMC.
^*3G and S grades are 37.0 km/L.
^*4Storage up to the top of the rear seat back calculated by TMC using the VDA method.

2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Series

Chrysler has introduced the 2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Series, which will hit the U.S. market in the first-quarter of 2012.

Outside, Luxury Series cars are distinguished by their platinum-chrome grilles, door handles, mirror caps and polished 19 or 20-inch wheels, depending upon platform (RWD cars get 20-inch wheels, AWD cars get 19-inch). The styling changes are subtle and tasteful, and really do enhance the looks of the 300.

The seats themselves are a fine piece of design, coming with 12-way power-adjustable driver and front-passenger functions (including four-way power lumbar), plus two-mode ventilation and two-mode heated seats for both front and rear passengers.

The 2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Series arrive in the first quarter of 2012, starting at $40,145.




Press Release

All-new Chrysler 300 Luxury Series Sedan: The Most Luxurious and Fuel-efficient Chrysler Flagship Ever

All-new 300 Luxury Series expands the 2012 Chrysler 300 lineup with more personality, style and efficiency
Exclusive Luxury Series appointments include ultra-premium leather, hand-sanded matte wood, world-class craftsmanship and refinement - all to deliver the most luxurious Chrysler sedan ever
Chrysler 300 is the first domestic luxury sedan to feature a state-of-the-art eight-speed automatic transmission
Best-in-class 31 highway miles per gallon (mpg) and best-in-class all-wheel-drive fuel economy with eight-speed automatic transmission and award-winning 292 horsepower, 3.6-liter aluminum Pentastar® V-6 engine
Chrysler 300 Luxury Series models start at $40,145 and arrive in the first-quarter of 2012

December 27, 2011 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Designed to be the most luxurious and fuel-efficient Chrysler flagship sedan ever, the 2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Series combines ultra-premium leather - once limited to some of the most exotic Italian luxury cars - with world-class refinement and handling, state-of-the-art safety and connectivity features and eight-speed automatic transmission with Pentastar® V-6 engine for 31 best-in-class highway mpg.

"The new 2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Edition is more than just our flagship car, it's the trophy for the tireless majority, an automobile designed and built to meet the most discerning of expectations," said Saad Chehab, President and CEO - Chrysler Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "It's fitted with a paddle shifting eight-speed transmission found only on cars twice its cost, dressed with the highest grade Italian Poltrona Frau leather and finished with hand sanded real wood found only in exotic cars - all to deliver a surprising combination of hyper craftsmanship, style, technology and ‘uber' best-in-class fuel economy at 31 mpg."

The new 2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Series expands the Chrysler flagship sedan lineup further with a fuel-efficient V-6 engine option, in addition to the top-of-the-range Chrysler 300C Luxury Series sedan with its powerful 363 horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine with Fuel Saver Technology.

World-class luxury with expressive styling details

The all-new Chrysler 300 and 300C Luxury Series are the most highly appointed sedans the brand has ever offered.

Exclusive interior features found on the Chrysler 300 and 300C Luxury Series sedans include either Black or Mochachino Poltrona Frau® "Foligno" leather-wrapped instrument panel, cluster brow, center console side panels and upper front- and rear-door panels. Premium Nappa leather covers the door armrest, bolster and center console armrest. Black or two-tone Mochachino seats are wrapped exclusively in supple Nappa leather and include 12-way power-adjustable driver and front-passenger seats (including four-way power lumbar) with two-mode ventilation and two-mode heated seats for both front and rear passengers. Black or two-tone Mochachino leather-wrapped steering wheel - with all-new die-cast paddle shifters - features a unique chrome accent ring to highlight the segment-exclusive 360-degree heated rim. Completing the interior environment is specially selected Natural Pore Mocha wood trim featuring a matte finish to enhance the beauty of the real wood.

On the exterior, large 20-inch polished face (rear-wheel drive (RWD) only, 19-inch with all-wheel drive (AWD) and painted pocket aluminum wheels, provide the 2012 Chrysler 300 and 300C Luxury Series sedans with an even more planted and road-holding look. Platinum chrome fascia accents, exterior mirror caps and door handle accents provide an even more upscale look. Topping off the unique exterior is a platinum-chrome finished grille surround with platinum-chrome mesh grille for a truly distinctive appearance.

Premium amenities include the segment's largest touchscreen infotainment system (8.4-inch) Uconnect® Touch 8.4N with Garmin® navigation, SiriusXM Traffic and SiriusXM Travel Link, LED-illuminated instrument cluster with driver-selectable color EVIC, power tilt and telescoping steering column with memory, power-adjustable pedals with memory, power backlight sunshade, premium 18-ounce Berber floor mats satin chrome lower door sills with "Chrysler" logo, dual heated/cooled cup holders, ambient lit foot well lighting, LED illuminated interior door handles and front and rear map pockets, premium carpeted trunk mat, HomeLink universal transceiver and power exterior mirrors with memory, driver mirror auto-dimming and auto-tilt in Reverse.

Available in RWD or with the segment's most advanced AWD system, the 2012 Chrysler 300 and 300C Luxury Series models arrive at Chrysler dealerships in the first-quarter of 2012. The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (including $825 destination) of these Chrysler 300 models is:

• Chrysler 300 Luxury Series (RWD) $40,145
• Chrysler 300 Luxury Series (AWD) $42,495
• Chrysler 300C Luxury Series (RWD) $42,895
• Chrysler 300C Luxury Series (AWD) $45,245

Democratization of technology: segment-first eight-speed automatic transmission

Once available only on premium import vehicles costing twice as much, the 2012 Chrysler 300 is the first domestic luxury sedan to feature an eight-speed automatic transmission. This new segment-exclusive ZF 8HP45 eight-speed automatic transmission expands the world-class power and fuel-efficiency of the 2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Series and delivers class-leading fuel efficiency with respect to:

• Best-in-class highway fuel economy (31 highway mpg)
• Best-in-class V-6 AWD fuel economy (18 city and 27 highway mpg)
• Best-in-class combined fuel economy (23 with RWD, 21 with AWD)
• Unsurpassed city fuel economy (19 city mpg RWD, 18 mpg AWD)
• Overall unsurpassed fuel economy in its class (19 city and 31 highway mpg with RWD)

The addition of three more gear ratios in the proven ZF eight-speed automatic transmission design help to reduce the gaps normally associated with upshifting and downshifting. Combined with the award-winning 292 horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine, passengers will experience world-class levels of refinement due to small, evenly spaced ratios that provide quicker acceleration and smoother shifts.

Delivering up to a 17 percent fuel economy improvement compared with the previous generation six-cylinder Chrysler 300 AWD models, the new 2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Series AWD combines the new eight-speed automatic transmission, fuel-efficient 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine and the segment's most advanced AWD system for maximum all-weather traction and efficiency.

Chrysler 300's AWD system (both V-6 and V-8 engines) features a segment-exclusive active transfer case and front-axle-disconnect system to improve real-world fuel economy. No other major automotive manufacturer offers the combination of these two independent technologies. Chrysler 300's innovative AWD system seamlessly transitions between RWD and AWD with no driver intervention. When AWD is not required, the system automatically disconnects the front axle to maximize fuel economy while still providing the outstanding fun-to-drive performance and handling inherent in RWD sedans.

2012 Cadillac CTS Touring Package

Cadillac has just announced the Touring Package for for the 2012 CTS.

The new CTS Touring Packages include such luxury features as Recaro seats, microfiber suede inserts on the seats and steering wheel, high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps, a performance-tuned suspension, a V-series aerodynamic spoiler and performance wheel packages.

The touring pack on the 3.0 runs $2,065 and includes 18-inch pearl nickel finish wheels; dual exhaust; dark finish grille; HID headlights; V-series spoiler/tail light (not on wagon); suede seat inserts, steering wheel and shifter; midnight Sapele wood trim and metal pedals.

The 3.6L V-6 Touring Package option retails at $2,810 and features Recaro performance seating, suede-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, midnight Sapele wood trim and metal pedals. The 3.6L Touring Package also gets a dark finish grille, V-Series aerodynamic center high mounted stop lamp (except Sport Wagon) and the 19-inch polished wheels with either summer tire performance package or all season tire package.


Prices for the 2012 Cadillac CTS sedan start at $36,790 (after an $875 destination charge), while the CTS coupe lists at $39,590, and the CTS Sport Wagon starts from $39,890.




Press Release

New Touring Package Models Enrich Cadillac CTS Lineup

Performance elements from V-series offered for standard models from $2,065

DETROIT - Cadillac is offering some of the performance elements of its V-series product line on standard 2012 CTS models through the new Touring Package Sedan, Coupe and Wagon starting at $2,065.

The new CTS Touring Packages include such luxury features as Recaro seats, microfiber suede inserts on the seats and steering wheel, high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps, a performance-tuned suspension, a V-series aerodynamic spoiler and performance wheel packages.

"One of the best aspects of high-performance machines like the V-Series is that they bring new elements into the brand that enrich the rest of the breed," said Cadillac Vice President of Marketing Don Butler. "The new Touring Packages give CTS buyers access to some desirable V-Series elements, in a more-approachable format."

CTS Sedan and Sport Wagon come with either a 3.0L or optional 3.6L engine, both Direct Injection V-6 units, while CTS Coupe comes standard with the 3.6L engine. Each engine now will have its own Touring Package available:

The 3.0L V-6 touring package option retails at $2,065 and includes 18-inch pearl nickel finish wheels; dual exhaust; dark finish grille; HID headlamps and fog lamps; V-Series aerodynamic center high mounted stop lamp (except Sport Wagon); suede seat inserts, steering wheel and shifter; midnight Sapele wood trim and metal pedals.

The 3.6L V-6 Touring Package option retails at $2,810 and features Recaro performance seating, suede-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, midnight Sapele wood trim and metal pedals. The 3.6L Touring Package also gets a dark finish grille, V-Series aerodynamic center high mounted stop lamp (except Sport Wagon) and the 19-inch polished wheels with either summer tire performance package or all season tire package.

With 318 horsepower from the 3.6L direct injection V-6 engine, the CTS accelerates from 0-60 in 6.3 seconds, and comes with optional all-wheel-drive and FE3 performance suspension designed for agile cornering and braking. Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters for the electronically controlled 6-speed automatic transmission are also included in the FE3 performance package.

Other new CTS features for 2012 include standard Bluetooth connectivity, optional RainSense Wipers and Side Blind Zone Alert (Coupe) along with new colors: Opulent Blue Metallic; Black Diamond Tri-Coat and Mocha Steel Metallic.

Suggested retail prices including destination charges for the 2012 models start at $36,790 for the CTS Sedan, $39,590 for the CTS Coupe and $39,890 for the CTS Sport Wagon.

ASMA Design Porsche Cayenne Turbo 'The Giant'

ASMA Design has released details and photos for the porsche cayenne turbo called Giant.

The kit was manufactured from carbon fiber and includes a new bonnet, that completely redesigned front-bumper with integrated day-lights, side skirts, rear bumper with integrated diffuser and two rear spoilers. The wheels measure a massive 22 inches.

Under the hood, ASMA has failed to match up to their promise as the factory fitted power unit has been considered strong enough. Therefore we are left contemplating if the widebody aerodynamic kit is enough to satisfy.




Press Release

Making claims of perfection is a dangerous thing to do, especially in the exclusive and demanding world of SUV supercar tuning. But there is one man who can actually make this claim of perfection, and even go as far as to name his incredible automotive creation The Giant. And this man is Erturul ASMA, and this is his amazing, ASMA ‘’The Giant’’ Porsche Cayenne Turbo.

As these stunning pictures can only prove, Erturul ASMA has taken the Porsche to entirely new levels of automotive theatre. In fact, thanks to ‘’The Giant’’, you can forget about the world of top-end tuning here on Earth, and now, and only now, think in terms of an awesome new age of customization.

Wide arch at over 2-metres in total width, with over 10cms of super-phat and super-sculpted over each of the one-off ASMA rims, rims that are also mind-blowing in their dimensions. How do 295-30-22 out the back and 295-30-22 up front grab you? Hard! And once this stunning design grabs you, it will never let you go. The wide ‘n’ wild completely custom fiber bodywork is simply unmatched and unbeatable, anywhere in the world. Sharp, extra-aggressive bodylines take this Cayenne to whole new levels of road-presence; this Cayenne is always in full attack mode, making 550hp to back-up the ASMA GmbH styling.

Only Erturul ASMA can make and prove his claims of perfection, but he must also apologize… apologize to all the owners of standard Cayenne’s everywhere, for there can be only one ASMA ‘’The Giant’’.

Detroit Auto Show: Nissan Pathfinder concept

Nissan will unveil two concept vehicles, including the next-generation Pathfinder SUV and an electric powered commercial van at the Detroit auto show next month.

The Nissan Pathfinder was launched in 1986, and was last granted a redesign for the 2005 model year. The next-generation Pathfinder goes on sale in fall 2012.

Nissan will also highlight the versatility of the NV200 van by demonstrating one configured as a food truck with a “local Detroit flair.” The van will be used for media hospitality during the show’s two press days.




Press Release

NISSAN ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR 2012 NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

The worldwide debut of two concept vehicles will highlight Nissan's presence at the upcoming 2012 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. An all electric van concept, which underscores Nissan's leadership in zero emissions vehicles and the Nissan Pathfinder preview concept, which provides a sneak peek at the next generation of Nissan's longest running nameplate in the U.S., will be unveiled during the NAIAS press preview days, beginning Monday, January 9.

In addition to full access to Nissan's global concepts during both days of the show, media interviews will be available with Nissan team members. Nissan Chief Executive Officer, Carlos Ghosn will also be the opening keynote speaker at the Automotive News World Congress on Tuesday, Jan. 10 in Detroit.

Nissan NAIAS Highlights:

• The Pathfinder Concept, which previews the all-new look, style and attitude that Nissan will bring to the SUV segment when the next-generation Pathfinder goes on sale in fall 2012 at Nissan dealers nationwide.
• Nissan's innovative electric van concept. This concept previews a future production version of a full electric vehicle designed to provide businesses or families with flexible, roomy cargo space, while offering a dramatic CO2 footprint reduction.
• A Nissan NV outfitted as a "Food Truck" with a local Detroit flair showcases the vehicle's flexibility and user-friendly features, but acts as a culinary cornerstone for media hospitality throughout both press days.
• Monday evening - Nissan media reception at Cheli's Chili Bar in Downtown Detroit from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. with a special guest and special announcement - Media credentials required for admission.

Ford UK has announced the Focus Zetec S.

Based on the Focus Zetec, the S comes with a full sports styling kit including unique front and rear spoilers with lower sill extensions and 17in alloy wheels together with sports suspension featuring stiffened springs and dampers, aluminium-style sports pedals, rear LED tail lamps and Ford Power starter button.

2012 Ford Focus Zetec S is powered by a 1.6 liter EcoBoost with 180PS (132 kW), which grants superb performance – 0 to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 222 km/h (138 mph). Furthermore, the emissions are just 139 g/km.

The Zetec S Interior Pack, which adds Inferno Red partial leather, heated front seats, power rear windows and global closing for a not unreasonable £800.oo.Developed specifically for UK customers, Focus Zetec S will start at £18,745.

Press Release

FORD ADDS SPORTIEST MODEL YET TO ALL-NEW FOCUS LINE-UP

• New Ford Focus Zetec S developed for the UK market
• Sportiest series ahead of 2012 Focus ST with 250PS
• Standard features include full body styling kit, 17in alloy wheels, sports suspension, rear LED tail lamps and sports pedals
• Priced from £18,745 on the road, equivalent to a Focus Titanium
• Choice of four engines including the 1.6-litre 180PS EcoBoost petrol which debuts in the UK and features fuel-saving ECOnetic technologies
• On sale now

Brentwood, Essex, 29 November 2011- Ford introduces the sporty Zetec S to its acclaimed all-new Focus line up. Developed specifically for UK customers, Zetec S combines sporty styling with the debut of the 1.6-litre 180PS EcoBoost petrol engine.

Based on the existing Zetec model, it adds a full sports styling kit including unique front and rear spoilers with lower sill extensions and 17in alloy wheels together with sports suspension featuring stiffened springs and dampers, aluminium-style sports pedals, rear LED tail lamps and Ford Power starter button.

Anthony Ireson, Ford Britain marketing director, said: "Zetec S models have always been popular with UK customers and so we are delighted to welcome our new Focus Zetec S to the range. With sporty exterior body styling and impressive performance and economy, this latest addition is set to be another showroom hit."

The Ford Focus Zetec S is available now in five-door bodystyle with estate to follow in February 2012, and is offered with a choice of four engines including the 1.6-litre 180PS EcoBoost turbo-charged petrol engine which has a top speed of 138mph, reaches 0-62mph in just 7.9sec and emits only 139g/km CO2. Any Focus Zetec S chosen with this engine or the 1.6-litre 115PS TDCi will carry the ECOnetic Technology badge, as they benefit from auto start-stop, Ford ECO mode, gear shift indicator, active grille shutter and smart regenerative charging.

The 1.6-litre 125PS Ti-VCT petrol and the 2.0-litre 163PS TDCi are also available and can be specified with either manual or PowerShift automatic transmission.

At £18,745 on the road the Focus Zetec S is priced just £1,250 above the equivalent Zetec derivative, which represents outstanding value, as if purchased separately, the additional features would add over £1,700. The Zetec S and Titanium are identically priced so customers can choose either sport or luxury at the same price point.

Options include the technology-laden Driver Assistance Pack which has received several awards, cruise control with Active Speed Limiter and a Zetec S interior pack featuring Inferno Red partial leather, heated front seats, power driver seat, power rear windows and global closing for £800.00.